Description: The Boeing 737 is a popular, twin-engine, short- to medium-range airplane renowned by its reliability, simplicity and low maintenance and operating costs. The first 737, a 737-100 model, was delivered to Lufthansa in 1968. Since then, more than 10,000 737s have been ordered by airlines all over the world. More than 5,000 Next Generation 737s have been sold to date since its entry into service in 1998. The third generation 737, called the 737 MAX, has logged more than 1,400 aircraft on order since its launch in 2011. The Boeing 737 MAX will enter into service by 2017.
In 1968, Boeing delivered the first 737-200 to United Airlines. Afterwards, Boeing developed and delivered the following models: 737-200C Combi (1968), -200 Advanced (1971), -300 (1984), -400 (1988), and -500 (1990). Early 737 airplanes were equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines. 737-300, -400 and -500 models were delivered powered by high-bypass-ratio CFM International CFM56-3 engines.
The Boeing 737-500 is a shortened version of -300 model with seating capacity for up to 132 passengers in all-economy configuration. The first -500 model was delivered to Southwest airlines in 1990. The last first generation 737, a 737-400, was delivered to CSA Czech Air in 2000.
In February 2006 the Boeing company and its 737 program achieved an important milestone following delivery of the 5,000th 737 aircraft, a 737-700 model, to Southwest Airlines. In parallel Boeing estimated that there were more than 4,100 737s in service all over the world at that time.